On the one hand, where a person is born and grows up makes a very big difference when it comes to success. For example, if a person grows up in a impoverished community in a third world country, then chances of success will be limited. Think of a poor boy in the slums of India. Of course, this boy can become great, but the changes are slim. Now if you consider a boy in a wealthy nation with many social connections, then the chances of this boy succeeding is greater.

That said, the determination of a person cannot be underestimated. A person can accomplish great things. Many stories of immigrans confirm this.